Hotpoint Wm65 Washing Machine Dead

[Curious]

I have a 4 year old hotpoint wm65 which has died. It was working fine until I moved it to clean underneath - when I put it on the next wash there was no action. My wife tells me that she has had to open and close the door to get it to operate recently. As the "door locked" light will not come on can I assume that the little mechanism for locking the door has malfunctioned and needs replacing?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes, these Hotpoint door interlocks aren't very well made and are always failing on that model. It's a brown device with 3 wires and it's fairly cheap. NOTE: There is a potential complication which could mean that fitting a new interlock doesn't get these Hotpoint washing machine working again. It's not common, but I've come across it several times and it's worth mentioning.

Sometimes, the neutral return (middle black wire) for the door interlock is burned out on the printed circuit board of the programme timer. If this has happened, then one of these models goes dead, but fitting a new interlock doesn't make any difference. For some reason, these cheap interlocks can blow the printed circuit on the timer. (Out of the hundred or so I've replaced, this has been the case about 6 times)

So, it's unlikely to be that in your case, but if you fitted a new one and it was still dead then that would need looking into. Ideally, you should test the neutral continuity from the black middle wire on the interlock to the neutral on the plug. If you get continuity, then fine - but if not, the printed circuit on the programme timer may be blown.

Buy Hotpoint door interlocks | Washing machine door interlocks (all brands)

[Curious]

Andy you are a star. I have replaced the door interlock and hey presto! working immediately.

Thanks again. Such power.

This post was added by another user -

Hi there,

I found this thread really useful because I had the same symptoms with my WD51. Since the "neutral return" problem sounded unlikely I was a bit quick off the mark in buying a new interlock. Unfortunately I've just fitted it and the thing is still dead! I went back and tested the continuity between the neutral pin on the plug and the neutral connection on the interlock, and guess what, there ain't none.

Is there anything I can do to the timer's PCB or would I have to replace it?

I don't even know if you can buy new ones. And if I could, it doesn't look like an easy thing to fit!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I suspect it can be caused if water gets onto the door interlock so check for a hole in the door seal at the door interlock side.

Replacing the timer on this model is pretty easy but will be no cheaper than letting Hotpoint fix it under their free 5 year parts guarantee Hotpoint service charges and telephone number. Also, no one will supply you with any warranty at all on a part like a timer.

Many repairs under the 5 year parts guarantee are more expensive than getting an independent repairman in, but timers, and drum bearings etc. will work out cheaper.

[Curious]

Thanks for the quick response. I was just about to call the Hotpoint service line when I realised that I've had the washer for 5 years and 4 months. Doh.

I guess I'll have to do it myself but I had a trawl for washer spares sites with Google and couldn't find anything (the site I bought the interlock from doesn't seem to have them). Any idea where to get them from?

Alternatively, do you reckon the timer could be fixed? I have some electronics knowledge and I was wondering whether I could replace something on the PCB itself?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

most spares companies don't sell timers to the general public. It is far too much trouble. If you did find someone willing to sell one it is almost certainly likely to be on a non-returnable and no-guarantee basis. Therefore, as they aren't cheap, it is too risky to try.

If you are competent to deal with soldering PCB boards then it could be possible to fix it. I did at least once. It depends how badly damaged the tracks are. I once managed to solder a thin wire to bridge the burned out tracks. Unless it's only minor damage though you may not be able to do it.

There is a company that specialises in fixing washing machine PCB's, modules and timers here QER Washing machine timer repairs where you would get a guarantee too.

[Curious]

I took out the timer and about an inch of track on the interlock's neutral return had been vapourised! There was a lot of scorching as well. I soldered in a bit of wire and Hey Presto! It worked.

I just hope whatever caused it doesn't happen again. It happened when the machine hadn't been used for a couple of weeks, and the room is pretty cold and damp so I reckon it may have been condensation. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all your help.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I have yet to find out what definitely causes this, but it's probably a short within the door interlock itself so it may be a good job you replaced it. I also suspect that water getting onto the interlock from a hole in the door seal can cause it.

I have yet to find out what definitely causes this, but it's probably a short within the door interlock itself so it may be a good job you replaced it. I also suspect that water getting onto the interlock from a hole in the door seal can cause it.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Full help article here - washing machine won't start